WHAT DO WE HAVE TO LOSE?

Someone suggested that one way of assessing the potential effects of economic and governmental changes that Canberra means to impose on Norfolk Island is to ask oneself the questions:
"What is worth keeping about Norfolk? What are the things I hope are not lost?"
Now the fact that so many of us have reacted to Canberra's announcement with a sick feeling must mean that it goes right to the heart and essence of our love of and commitment to this island. But it is not always easy to put it into words.
Our understanding of what makes this place so special to us probably differs somewhat from person to person. Much of it is about intangibles, emotions, loyalties, relationships, inherited values, traditions, even comfort zones. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to quantify these things for the economic rationalists of Canberra.
I will try to put it into words from my point of view. I should explain that I am not a Norfolk Islander, but have lived here for 40 years, and have a Norfolk Islander husband and 5 Norfolk Island offspring. I feel no loyalties to anywhere but this island.
*I love the fact that I can feel really proud of being a part of this island, proud of what this community has achieved in 217 years from uncertain beginnings. I love the fact that the Norfolk people are strong and resilient, that they pride themselves on being self-reliant, adaptable and resourceful, sorting out their own problems and meeting the needs of their own people with fairness and justice. I am proud of the fact that they have done this for over 2 centuries, even though they are isolated, and have received very little constructive help or understanding or recognition of their aspirations from outside powers and authorities.
*I love the relatively low level of red tape and bureaucracy we have to deal with. The paperwork involved in being part of the Australian system of taxes and benefits would be almost as bad as the financial constraints it would place on us. It is wonderful to be part of a community where "cash in hand" is simple and legal, where bartering and returning of favours is common.
One of the worst features of what Canberra wants to impose on us is the negative effect it would have on small business, and small business is the lifeblood of this community.
* I love the opportunity to live in a "small government" situation, where you live and work alongside your government representatives, where laws and policies are tailored to meet small island requirements, with the emphasis on people's needs and not the need to fuel and maintain an oversize economy and government structure. We are already in danger of losing this with the requirements Canberra has being imposing on us to bring our laws and policies into line with those of mainland Australia.
*I love being away from the mainstream, being isolated, and forced to rely on your own resources. It makes this community more creative, resourceful, imaginative and focussed. It is good to be different. And although we may be isolated in terms of distance and geography, I believe the world comes to us here, and we enjoy many of the benefits of living in a cosmopolitan community.
*I love being in a place where, when someone is in trouble or need, the community rallies round with enormous generosity, and sustains and supports those people. A place where you give a young person a job, even part-time, because you know there is no dole. A place where you are more than a name or a number or "that lady who lives on the corner", and people care what happens to you, and the "Inasmuch" ethic is strong. Our facilities and infra-structure may not always be ultra-sleek and modern, but there is real caring and individuals matter. I don't even mind the "small-town gossip" because at least it means people are interested in you.
*I love living in a place where there is very little ostentation and show, glamorous street frontages, or pomp and show. A place where you are not conscious of the "haves and have-nots", because nearly everyone enjoys a good quality of life, and even those who have money choose to live modestly and quietly, and use their resources to make the community a better place.
*I want to keep our own quarantine, customs and immigration. If I buy or import something, I know this community will get some benefit from my purchase. If I have fruit and vegetables, I know they are fresh, naturally ripened, and full of goodness. If someone comes to live here, I know that they will have come on our terms, and that we should be able to choose the sort of people who will enhance our community, and not try to change it to resemble the place they have left.
*The natural environment on Norfolk is very special to me. I love the semi-rural landscape, the natural beauty, the lack of high-rise and big development, and the respect the Norfolk Islanders have for their land and landscape, and their desire to have something worthwhile to hand on to their children and future generations.
*I do not want the Norfolk spirit or culture to be squashed or devalued. I love the traditions, the language, the food, the celebrations. I love both the Polynesian and the British heritages. And above all, I love the sense of fun and humour.

*Although I know we cannot turn back the clock, I want Norfolk Island to stay relatively simple and uncomplicated. I want it to remain laid-back, unhurried and relaxed. I want it to remain a place where we can work hard for the things that really count, and forget the rest.

The more I think about it, the less convinced I am that Canberra's plans will (as described in their brochure) "mark a turning point for the future of Norfolk Island and the well-being of its people."